C
L
A
S
S
O
F
UNDER S
A
N
A
N
G
E
L
O
VISIONARIES OF Today LEADING FORTomorrow
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
ED
BY
PO WE
R
20UNDER40
Thank you for picking up a copy of this year’s 20 Under 40 publication. 20 Under 40 was first introduced to San Angelo in 2012. The purpose of the program is to highlight 20 individuals who are performing and excelling at a high level within the San Angelo community. Selected individuals are excelling professionally, and simultaneously, in community service. We are excited to share a direct path to video interviews of all 20 honorees conducted by Anthony Wilson, Public Information Officer with the City of San Angelo and Brian Groves, City of San Angelo Videographer. Have an iPhone or Android? Utilize your camera to scan the 20UNDER40 SCENES icon anywhere you see it to unlock the video interview of each Honoree. NO QR CODE READER NEEDED.
2
G R A C E
M E D I A
Photo courtesy of The Dr. Ralph R. Chase West Texas Collection
PRESENTING SPONSOR
2 0 1 8
Contributed by Scott Turner TimeClock Plus is delighted to once again sponsor the 20 Under 40 program for San Angelo because we believe in the development and encouragement of the next generation of leadership. There are literally dozens of labeled leadership styles from Transformational, Transactional and Laissez Faire to Authentic, Servant, and Bureaucratic. There are “good” leaders, there are “bad” leaders, and then there are those self-proclaimed leaders that litter the Internet with theoretical narratives that stimulate even more hypothetical discussion about what it takes to be a real leader, #greatleadership. At TimeClock Plus, we believe leadership is not just a hashtag, or a label, or a rank. Leadership is a choice. True leaders choose to lead, they choose to sacrifice, and they choose to be accountable. Simon Sinek says of leaders, “It’s choosing to look out for the person on
UNDER
your left and to look out for the person on your right,” then he says, “We call them leaders because they go first, because they take the risk before anybody else does, because they will choose to sacrifice so their people will be safe and protected.” True leaders sacrifice their time, their resources, and their energy, putting others above themselves. They are the ones that miss lunch to help a colleague, or come in early before the office opens to train the new employee, or work the weekend on an event that benefits the whole community. Our city has many true leaders. We see them organizing the latest weekend “fun run”. We see them developing new ideas and businesses. We see them teaching at SAISD, Howard College, ASU, and Park University. We see them fundraising for a charity. Sometimes, we don’t see them at all. True leaders lead for the cause and not the credit. Many are just fine with the spotlight shining on the team, or the charity, or the community as they receive their recognition from a source from within. You’ll recognize those leaders because they use words like, “we, us, and our” instead of “me, myself, and I.” These are the types of leaders we celebrate as we recognize the 20 Under 40 class of 2018. Our wish is that these leaders continue to make a difference in San Angelo and make a positive impact in our community’s future. Congratulations.
Scott Turner has served at TimeClock Plus for more than 23 years and is the chief customer/marketing officer. TimeClock Plus, this year’s presenting sponsor for 20 Under 40, is a San Angelo Company founded in 1988 and is an industry-leading, award-winning, nationally recognized workforce management solution developed by Data Management Incorporated. A provider for thousands of small businesses and enterprise level organizations across the nation, TimeClock Plus focuses on providing “best-of-breed” solutions for time and attendance, scheduling, workforce analytics, regulatory compliance, and employee self-service. For more information go to www.timeclockplus.com 2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
3
V ISIONARIE S
UNDER
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
TO M O R ROW.
From the Publisher Leadership characteristics live within each of us, but it is those who have persistence and drive who create the most positive impact in our communities. Sometimes those communities have no boundaries, and the impact reaches further than intended. Every year, we provide the opportunity for the San Angelo community to nominate professionals deserving of recognition, those who demonstrate the traits of a great leader and positively influence the community not only in their professional endeavors, but also through service. The 20 Under 40 Class of 2018 is comprised of 20 leaders under the age of 40 who have defied the barriers they faced in their journey. These young professionals have persevered and achieved despite moments when everything around them indicated success was not possible. I hope you enjoy learning about what motivates these 20 professionals and the leadership roles they have in San Angelo as influencers of city government, economic development, mentoring, and so much more.
Grace Media thanks the panel of four judges who had the responsibility of selecting 20 individuals from a multitude of worthy nominations to be honored as a 20 Under 40 Class member. The 20 Under 40 program would not be in existence without the great partnership of our sponsors. With great gratitude we extend thanks to TimeClock Plus, our presenting sponsor, for continuously expressing desire to not only support this program, but to see members of the San Angelo community excel. Thank you to our supporting sponsors for embracing the program: First Financial Bank, City of San Angelo, HEB, Shannon, ASU, Stemmed Designs, CREO and Howard College. Grace Media introduces the 20 Under 40 Class of 2018. Thank you, Jose Palos
PUBLISHER JOSE PALOS jose.palos@gracemediacompany.com 20 UNDER 40 DIRECTOR DEBBIE VELASQUEZ debbie@gracemediacompany.com WRITER ANTHONY WILSON PHOTOGRAPHER BRANDON WHITFORD DIGITAL DIRECTOR GRACE MEDIA STAFF
4
G R A C E
M E D I A
UNDER
20UNDER40SANANGELO.COM
@20under40sanangelo 20 Under 40 magazine is a Grace Media publication. Copyright Š 2018. 20 Under 40 Magazine is published annually and is free of charge to San Angelo and surrounding communities and businesses. Mail may be sent to Grace Media, P.O. Box 5931, San Angelo, TX 76902. For advertising rates or editorial correspondence email info@gracemediacompany.com or visit 20under40sanangelo.com.com
2 0 1 8
UNDER
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF SAN ANGELO
The Young Professionals of San Angelo is all about making connections. We connect with others that are going through the dynamic phases of starting out and becoming established in the work force. We connect with those that are established in business and in community leadership. We connect with the tools and resources to make us better: better leaders, better employees, better entrepreneurs and whatever else we can get better at along the way. We have gone through several phases and several faces as an organization, but one thing has remained the same: We are committed to being the first choice of young professionals looking to network and make an impact in the community. We have been involved in various community drives and charitable events over the years. We have given new professionals a platform to hone their skills to serve on boards all over San Angelo. We have provided the soil on which lifelong business and personal relationships have been forged and we don’t intend to stop any time soon. 20 under 40 is a testament to the vital impact that young professionals have in ensuring the life blood of our great city flows strong for years to come. We count many recipients among our ranks and we are proud of the contributions that these individuals, both past and present, have made to their respective organizations and the City of San Angelo. We are grateful to participate once again in this great event as it shines a light on a great future for us all.
We connect with the tools and resources to make us better: better leaders, better employees, better entrepreneurs and whatever else we can get better at along the way.
Learn more about how to get involved with the Young Professionals of San Angelo visit www.ypsanangelo.org. 2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
5
UNDER
V ISIONARIE S
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
TO M O R ROW.
Strategic Alliance Manager By Anthony Wilson Andi Markee has a motto: and attendance software Make it happen, no matfor employers, recruited ter what. Markee after taking note So when she of her tenacious drive and waited tables in colcan-do attitude. She sees lege, she worked to the synergy between her be the restaurant’s Type A personality and the best waitress. company’s culture, which When she was a embraces hard work and radio execdedication. - Andi Markee utive, she Chief Customer/Marlugged keting Officer Scott Turner equipment at her company’s “felt I embodied the culture of TimeClock Plus, events. When she raised funds which is to do whatever it takes for the customer for St. Jude Children’s Research and to do what’s right for the organization,” she said. Hospital, she hustled her “It’s sometimes difficult for other organizations to way to $300,000 in understand.” contributions. And Markee is equally committed to her volunteersince joining Timeism. She often “piggybacks” on the efforts of friends, Clock Plus, she has which has led to her involvement with West Texas earned promotion Counseling and Guidance and the United Way, to strategic alliance where her work on a Community Impact Panel manager. benefits approximately 20 local charities. Former 20 Her greatest philanthropic passion is animal Under 40 honoree rescue. She applauds efforts to require sterilizing Chrys Forbes says her and microchipping of pets as a logical and needed friend has a knack for “getting response to irresponsible pet ownership. things done in a spectacular way.” “You have to take responsibility for a commitHer boss reports she “knows only ment you make, no matter what,” Markee said. “And one speed – complete and ultiif life situations change, you change with that pet, as mate dedication.” a family. It’s heartbreaking to see pets at the animal And yet, Markee is struggling shelter.” to accept that she’s truly worthy While Forbes insists leadership comes naturally of being a 20 Under 40 honoree. to her outspoken friend, Markee politely dismissed “I can understand some of that notion. She will accept Turner’s description of the traits I have and some things her as independent, creative, optimistic, compasI have done in the community sionate and authentic. that would make me a candi“I just try to work hard and do the best I can,” date for this,” she said. “But Markee said. “If that’s viewed as leadership, I’m at the same time, it’s such an appreciative of that. I’m blessed to feel comfortable honor. The class this year has and confident. Some people have to work for that.” accomplished so many great A native San Angeloan, Markee and her husband things. I’m very self-aware, and moved briefly to Dallas … and then did everything sometimes hard on myself. they could to return. She says she loves everything Maybe I just need to accept about her hometown. and embrace … which I’m “San Angelo is about community,” she trying to do.” said. “There are all kinds TimeClock Plus, of ways people can get R40 the locally based, involved.” 20UNDE fast-growing developer of time
You have to take responsibility for a commitment you make, no matter what.
6
G R A C E
M E D I A
20UNDE
R40
2 0 1 8
UNDER
Freelance Writer/Editor By Anthony Wilson Amanda Razani’s leadership opportunities have started in the same, simple way: with an invite. That was the springboard for her thriving book-selling business. It’s led to her membership on several nonprofit boards, most of which serve children and women. And all of that has blossomed into her becoming a “whirlwind of success and civic-mindedness,” as one admirer noted. “I don’t mind being in those leadership roles,” Razani said, “but I don’t know that I ever looked for one. … Sometimes it takes being invited. I don’t always say yes. But if it’s something I think I can be passionate about, it just takes that invite.” If not a whirlwind, Razani is certainly a wellspring of enthusiasm and cheer. She practically bubbles over when talking - Amanda Razani about her work for Usborne Books & More, a children’s book publisher. She hosted a book party “because I really wanted free books.” That led to an invitation to join the company as a sales rep. Her minivan – aka her “bookmobile” – is typically loaded with product, which she shuttles to elementary school book fairs, vending events and private parties. “I love seeing all the smiling little faces running around the tables grabbing books,” she said. “I just get that feeling of when I was a kid. If I could have a whole library in my house with walls full of books, I’d love that.” She is equally passionate about her writing and editing career on Upwork, an online freelancing platform where she has earned a 100-percent approval rating from clients worldwide. Her goal, she said, is “to help everyone express themselves in the best way possible through the written word.” Razani grew up in Brady, where as a high schooler she worked as a radio deejay at KNEL. She fell in love with writing and editing while studying communications and journalism at Angelo State University. She worked for the Ram Page school newspaper as its copy editor during her final year of college.
After graduation, Razani worked for the San Angelo Area Foundation. Though she loved the nonprofit agency and its work, she felt the pull of her passion for the written word. When her daughter entered high school, she “took a leap of faith,” pursuing work that would give her the flexibility to attend all of the teen’s activities. “I love working and providing for my family,” Razani said. “But I want that time with my family. I want a good balance and to have both. “I’m just going with the flow, building my book business and my writing and editing business,” she added. As she sits in her home office each day, she has a plaque nearby that reminds her that leadership and success are shared responsibilities. It reads, “Rise by lifting others.” “A true leader, on their journey to success, they want everyone around them to be successful,” Razani said. “Everywhere they go, they leave a trail of inspiration and motivation. It’s not just about them. It’s about everybody finding happiness.”
If I could have a whole library in my house with walls full of books, I’d love that.
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
7
UNDER
V ISIONARIE S
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
TO M O R ROW.
20UNDE
R40
Donor Relations Coordinator By Anthony Wilson Carie Wailgum sends her children to school each Her volunteerism with the Military Spouse Profesday with two reminders: Be kind. Be brave. sional Network also earned her Goodfellow’s Military Those, she believes, are two actions upon Spouse of the Year award. which a foundation of leadership is built. The program connects spouses with local re“I’m hoping someday they’ll take those sources that link to employers, provide professional actions and then turn those into a more development and fill resume gaps. One strategy informidable action of being a leader in volves networking spouses who have recently arrived their community,” Wailgum said. in San Angelo with local employers seeking employMuch like their mother. ees who are resilient, reliable and adaptable – valued Despite being in San Angelo only qualities military spouses often possess. three years, Wailgum is one of this “As a military spouse, you’re looking to mainyear’s 20 Under 40 on the strength of tain a career alongside your service member for the her service to the West duration of the time Texas Rehabilitation they’re serving their Center and to the country,” Wailgum Hiring Our Heroes’ said. “We have to Military Spouse Promake sure we’re fessional Network showing our legacy as at Goodfellow Air we continue to move Force Base. place to place.” The wife of a While proximity Goodfellow fireto the military offers fighting instructor, opportunities to build Wailgum is the donor leadership, Wailgum relations coordinator at said actually doing so the 65-year-old charity is a personal responknown by most simsibility. ply as “the Rehab.” “The only thing The West Texas that naturally facili- Carie Wailgum Rehabilitation Centates leadership is the ter provides outpatient care to all person,” she said. “If you want to develop leadership who seek it, regardless of their skills, if you want to take action in a community, ability to pay. About one-third of that’s all up to you.” the 530 patients the Rehab treats She learned a valuable lesson in leadership while daily require financial assistance. interning with the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes while in “Anytime you’re passioncollege. A team executive told her, “Your one responate about something, it’s not a sibility in life, when you’ve come to a certain place, is ‘sell’ anymore,” she said. “It’s me to bring other people up with you.” sharing something I’m incredibly “That’s a core value of leadership,” Wailgum passionate about with the communi- added. “Leaders create more leaders.” ty and inviting them to be a part of it.” Wailgum is demure about her Goodfellow award. One of the joys of that, she added, And she calls the 20 Under 40 honor “wonderful.” is hearing stories of how the Rehab has But … helped West Texans. She shares those “The goal is to help people where they need testimonials with the clinic’s healththe help,” Wailgum said. “This is a reflection of the care providers, telling them, “Look importance of doing that. One person goes out and at the people you’ve touched.” helps two. That creates a ripple effect that hopefully benefits the entire community.”
It’s me sharing something I’m incredibly passionate about with the community and inviting them to be a part of it.
8
G R A C E
M E D I A
2 0 1 8
UNDER
Congratulations
Carie Wailgum,
Donor Relations Coordinator
Great Things Happen Here Every Day!
WestTexasRehab.org
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
9
UNDER
Congratulations Chris Matlock on your achievement as a member of the 20 Under 40 class of 2018
V ISIONARIE S
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
TO M O R ROW.
Chris prides himself on building trust, relationships and an outstanding work product. He believes in listening to the client’s needs individually and creating a partnership with them to meet those needs.
“ Personal, Proven, Professional.”
20UNDE
R40
2 0 1 8
UNDER
Certified Public Accountant By Anthony Wilson Chris Matlock complemented his accounting degree with another in kinesiology, figuring if an office job proved an uncomfortable fit, he could always teach and coach. “I haven’t had to use the backup plan yet,” he noted. That seems unlikely now. The professional success of the 34-year-old partner at the accounting firm Armstrong, Backus & Co., coupled with his civic and church involvement, has landed him among this year’s 20 Under 40. That journey began in a Mitchell County classroom where he first learned accounting from a tough, old-school teacher. He placed seventh in the state accounting meet as a junior. Afterward, his teacher retired. So, he taught the class his senior year and led his team to the state competition. Today, Matlock’s work hours aren’t spent hunched over spreadsheets, but connecting on a personal level with clients – be they oilmen or business owners. Successful accountants, he said, have a knack for understanding clients’ needs through relationship-building. “You want the client to know they can trust you with every decision they have to make,” Matlock said. “You can do that only through developing a rapport.” Matlock relates to his clients’ entrepreneurial spirits, saying he inherited the same from his grandfather, a used car salesman, and his father, a third-generation business
My faith really does guide and impact every area of my life, It’s not let me down yet … and it never will.
owner. He has helped grow his firm’s client accounting solutions department and launched his own ventures. “Honestly, I like to take risks,” he said. “I like to try new things. You can’t be successful if you don’t make attempts.” He said he also tends to say “yes” to volunteer opportunities … and then figure out how to accommodate them. Learning to more carefully consider where to invest his time and talents, Angelo State University Alumni Association has emerged as a main focus. He’ll serve as president next year. Saying his service must be driven by passion explains Matlock’s dedication to Celebration Church, where he serves as intern director and occasionally plays guitar for the worship team, and to Closer Walk events. He grew up in a church ministered by his grandfather and then his father. “My faith really does guide and impact every area of my life,” he said. “It’s not let me down yet … and it never will.” His grandfather’s example also gave him a leadership model. As a pastor, his grandfather encouraged new ideas from the congregation as a way to excite and empower his flock. “Allowing people to spread their wings is a great leadership quality,” Matlock noted. He also admired his grandfather’s tendency to listen and to disagree respectfully. “Our country could use that a lot right now – to say, ‘We’re going to disagree, but let’s make a solution that works best for everybody,’” he said. The dichotomy of influences is striking. Matlock has been shaped by a lifetime of exposure to his grandfather and by the relatively brief encounter with his high school accounting teacher. “I wouldn’t be sitting here,” he said, “without her pouring into me even for that brief period of time.”
- Chris Matlock
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
1 1
UNDER
V ISIONARIE S
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
TO M O R ROW.
20UNDE
Certified Business Advisor/Trainer By Anthony Wilson Dezaray Johnson knew she had arrived as a business advisor when her grandfather started heeding her judgment. Johnson grew up with her own tiny desk and a collection of office supplies at the family business, Johnson’s Pest Control in Junction. In high school, she answered phones and processed tickets. After joining the Small Business Development Center at Angelo State University, she convinced her grandfather to take advantage of the SBDC’s array of free services, including business financing, business planning, expansion and marketing. While Robert Johnson readily accepted Dezaray’s marketing advice – she had earned two communications degrees at ASU – it took longer to trust in his granddaughter’s counsel regarding the rest of the family business. “You don’t realize when you grow up in a family business how much you learn,” Johnson said. “My grandfather now thinks, ‘Maybe she’s gone off to college and learned a few things.’ Now family night conversations quickly turn to business. We’re always talking about improving in all ways.”
shares that with clients who are trepidatious about the plunge into business ownership. She’s also honest with those who ask why she doesn’t start her own business. “I try to say it without scaring them,” Johnson said, “but owning a business is a lot of hard work. It’s a commitment. And nobody’s going to run your business better than you are.” One of Johnson’s success stories is HR Onboarding Solutions, a local firm that helps companies replace paperwork with electronic forms that sync with their customers’ software. She helped owner Brent Jameson craft the winning entry in the 2017 Business Plan Competition, which earned the company a $25,000 cash prize.
You don’t realize when you grow up in a family business how much you learn. - Dezaray Johnson In that way, Johnson’s Pest Control is no different than any of her other SBDC clients, including several others in her hometown. Based at ASU and a department of the Norris-Vincent College of Business, the Small Business Development Center provides confidential, one-on-one business advising plus a series of training seminars to budding entrepreneurs and small ventures. All of the SBDC’s services are free. Johnson, the youngest 20 Under 40 honoree this year at 28, joined the SBDC as a graduate assistant, coordinating its many training seminars. Wanting to “get in the game,” she has since earned two business advising certifications. “Some of the things we see day to day as business advisers are huge hurdles for small business entrepreneurs because they don’t have that knowledge,” she said. “To be able to share that with them is huge. Whether I’m teaching a class of 20 people or working one-on-one with someone, it’s all driving them toward their goals.” Initially, however, Johnson was intimidated by the leap from communications to the business world. She sometimes 1 2
G R A C E
M E D I A
What once was a one-man operation has grown to include six employees. Johnson applauds such belief in oneself. “Just go for it,” she said. “We hold our own selves back. We say we’re not good enough or we can’t or, more importantly, we don’t know how. But we are what we want to be.”
R40
Congratulations Dezaray Johnson,
2 0 1 8
UNDER
Certified Business Advisor in the ASU Small Business Development Center, a department of the ASU Norris-Vincent College of Business, For being named a 20 under 40!
The ASU Small Business Development Center, located in the Business Resource Center, has for 29 years assisted with technical business advising and technical business training. We assist those who are in business and those wanting to start a business. SBDC Technical Business advising is at no cost and confidential and covers many business topics SBDC Technical business training is at no to low cost
ASU Small Business Development Center Building the Concho Valley, One Business at a Time
325-942-2098 www.sbdc.angelo.edu
UNDER
V ISIONARIE S
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
TO M O R ROW.
20UNDE
R40
Manager of Orthotics By Anthony Wilson Drew Fulfer frustrated his dad. Fulfer did on a whim … and proved so adept at A hard-working machinist, his father building braces that he was soon seeing patients with couldn’t convince his son to join him in his the then-manager. shop. The boy was too obsessed with sports to He was promoted to manager two years ago after learn to work with his hands. earning a master’s degree in orthotics. He is fasciFulfer, 30, laughs about it now. His work nated with the tools used to create orthotics and the managing Shannon Medical Center’s Orthotproblem-solving needed to build a brace that exactly ics Department, which builds custom braces serves a patient’s need. that support deficient extremities, has landed “I like to learn a lot of different things,” Fulfer him on this year’s 20 Under 40 list. said “If I don’t know something, I’ll research and “He’s pushed me by teaching, ‘If you learn it to be able to do the job.” can do it this way, it Working for the looks good … but windows company it can be better,’” showed him he was Fulfer said. “I thank good with his hands him for that. Even … and that he enjoyed though I wasn’t it. He often stayed physically working after work until with him, I did midnight toiling on watch him. And personal projects. A it inspired me to talented woodworker, do everything as he volunteered with good as I can.” Helping Hands, a Fulfer has charity that performs grown a repuhome repairs for the - Drew Fulfer tation at disadvantaged, before Shannon for performance launching his own nonprofit, FREEDOM HOMES, that is neither half-heart- which does similar work. ed nor deliberate in its “Our main goal is to help those who are most pace. needy,” Fulfer said. “But we try not to have much of a He joined the Orbudget. It’s a donation-based organization, so we do thotics Department as what we can with what we have.” a technician in 2011 “by Fulfer said such efforts are fueled by his faith, accident.” Having just which led him and his wife to become foster parents. graduated from Angelo True to form, they completed their training in less State University, he was than half the normal time, receiving their first foster seeking a higher-paying child the day they were certified. job. At the time, he was “We just want to help,” he said. “We live it every working at a windows day. There are times when things will get you down. company, which gave That’s why we look to God for answers.” him his first opportuFulfer is not yet satisfied with every aspect of his nity to work with his life, which would likely make his precision-driven hands. A fellow father proud. congregant “I don’t have everything in my life like it should encouraged be, but who does?” he said. “Every day new circumhim to apply stances come up that help guide you into correct for the tech position. decisions for the future.”
I like to learn a lot of different things. If I don’t know something, I’ll research and learn it to be able to do the job.
1 4
G R A C E
M E D I A
2 0 1 8
UNDER
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
1 5
CREO is a proud sponsor of San Angelo’s 20 Under 40.
Congratulations Class of 2018!
CREO (Community Reinvesting in Educational Opportunities) is an organization that promotes scholastic achievement for college-bound students in San Angelo and its surrounding communities.
1 6
G R A C E
M E D I A
20UNDE
R40
2 0 1 8
UNDER
ASU/Dept. of Curriculum & Instruction By Anthony Wilson Raelye Self remembers the day she realized she was meant to teach. It was her very first day of teaching. “My first day in the classroom I knew that’s where I was meant to be,” she said. Today, Dr. Self oversees Angelo State University’s online program for certifying superintendents, principals, counselors and teachers. Owing to its quality and affordability, the program has drawn 1,200 students from across the globe. Self’s path into teaching was admittedly “unconventional.” She earned two degrees in agricultural fields. Shortly after, a friend suggested she apply for a job teaching computer programs at Lake View High School. Her hiring was “divine intervention.” Later, her principal, Matt Smith, and then-Superintendent Carol Ann Bonds encouraged her to pursue a master’s degree in school administration. Smith gradually assigned her more responsibility to grow her leadership skills. That led to assistant principal jobs, then a principal’s post, and finally to ASU. She feels a “huge responsibility” to help prepare educators to impact students, who in turn will impact their communities. “I can’t teach someone everything about being a principal,” she said. “But I can certainly lay a solid foundation for them to build on.” One supporter said Self has a knack for making people feel “like the most important person in the room.” (To which Self responded, “Aww!”) She also said Self is slow to speak but “commands the presence of the room” when she does. Both are conscious efforts. “The leaders who were the most impactful for me always made me feel valued, like my voice meant something,” she said. “That’s always stuck with me.” Quiet by nature, Self added that she prefers to listen and observe.
“There’s a lot to learn when we open our ears and eyes, and we close our mouths,” she said. “I’ve learned so much from people who have walked the path before me. They have a lot to say. I just want to soak it all up.” As expected, Self’s long list of civic efforts revolves mostly around children. Two recent endeavors are her service on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club and the JPW Learning Center, which serves students with learning disabilities. “No matter how young you are, you can cultivate leadership and community service,” she said. “I understand how important that is, but it starts at a young age. It’s critical to me to help the youth in our community realize that.” Other service efforts revolve around her faith, which she said is “at the core of what I believe and what I do.” “Our beliefs and our passions drive us,” Self said. “There’s a reason we are where we are and we do what we do. Leaning on that drives me.” While urging others to build their “leadership legacy,” she reminds that leadership is not a power play. “It’s about enabling other people, giving them the opportunity to see the potential for themselves,” Self said. “Leadership is not about that person. It’s about everyone else.”
There’s a lot to learn when we open our ears and eyes, and we close our mouths. - Dr. Raelye Self
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
1 7
UNDER
V ISIONARIE S
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
TO M O R ROW.
20UNDE
R40
Certified Public Accountant By Anthony Wilson When Erik Sosolik dresses for success, he might pull on a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles T-shirt. That’s what he was wearing in 2010 when an impromptu Saturday afternoon job interview yielded an offer of employment
he was interviewing with Chilton Wilcox & Fortenberry, a firm he had never heard of. The friend stepped from the room and called one of the partners, who invited Sosolik for a chat. “I warned them I just had on golf pants and a Ninja Turtle T-shirt,” he recalled. “They said, ‘No, that’s fine. Come on.’” The discussion was so engrossing, no one realized when day turned to night. The partners made him an offer the next morning. By the time the Sosoliks had returned to Austin, their minds were made up. “Everything has a reason,” he said. “This must be where we’re supposed to be.” - Erik Sosolik He thinks he even may still have the TMNT T-shirt … “if my from the local acwife hasn’t thrown it out.” counting firm Chilton His colleagues cheerlead him and his success. Wilcox & Fortenberry. They praise Sosolik as a leader whose kindness Earlier this year, the firm quietly inspires and motivates. They admire the work promoted Sosolik, 35, to ethic of a partner who’s typically first into the office partner. and last to leave. They describe him as possessing While his title has grit, discipline, optimism, confidence, diplomacy and changed, the man hasn’t. patience. “We still look at him as “He is literally the best boss,” one said. a co-worker,” Natalie Fogle Sosolik credits his wife for providing him the noted. “He … owns that he is support to excel at work while clearly communicatpart of our team, we are not ing to him when his family needs him. part of his.” He also carves out time to volunteer with the The approach, Sosolik said, is Concho Valley Food Bank and the United Way, two conscientious. “indispensable” agencies serving San Angelo’s least “To feel like I’m above somefortunate. Determining where to invest such efforts one, that’s not me,” he said. “I’m often comes down to “a feeling,” he added. an equal. In that, you gain respect. “If it comes up two or three times,” he said, “it And respect is what you need to be ought to trigger you to look into it and see exactly successful.” what’s going on.” Sosolik and his wife moved to Fellow partner John Fortenberry called Sosolik a Austin as newlyweds to enjoy the servant leader. Sosolik said that’s likely true. capital city’s lifestyle. But the birth “If somebody needs a cup of coffee, I’m not above of their twin daughters was a thun- getting them a cup of coffee,” he said. “That is the derbolt of reality – they had to way you gain someone’s respect – if you’re willing to get back home to West Texas. do for them what you’d like them to do for you. It’s He was in town interthe golden rule.” viewing with another firm when a family friend asked if
I’m an equal. In that, you gain respect. And respect is what you need to be successful.
1 8
G R A C E
M E D I A
2 0 1 8
UNDER
CWF
Chilton Wilcox & Fortenberry www.wfsacpas.com • 325-224-8866
3471 Knickerbocker Road, Suite 410 San Angelo, TX 76904
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
1 9
UNDER
V ISIONARIE S
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
TO M O R ROW.
BALLET SAN ANGELO CONGRATULATES
ERIN LANE You tied your ballet shoes in the window seat of the Cactus ballroom, and now you work tirelessly to help tie together the community wide mission of the Ballet through dance. Thank you for returning to Ballet San Angelo and reminding us that we are all connected by a common thread of vulnerability and story, part of a beautiful larger expression. In your words ... Everybody Moves.
-THE BSA TEAM
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
halletsanangelo . org/tickets
2 0
G R A C E
M E D I A
20UNDE
R40
Interim Artistic/Executive Director By Anthony Wilson Back in her hometown only temporarily, Erin Lane stepped into Ballet San Angelo’s gleaming new studio … and she knew. “That’s exactly where I needed to be,” she recalled. “So the temporary part of my return to San Angelo has now become permanent.” That’s happy news to Lane’s many fans at the ballet. They describe the interim artistic director as possessing an “intuitive, organic work style” that celebrates people “in all their glorious differences.” Lane almost sheepishly responds that’s “who I hope I’m becoming.” When praised for what one booster called her “all-consuming, 24/7” passion for Ballet San Angelo, she shrugs. “The amount of time doesn’t really register to me,” she said. “It’s natural. I grew up in a studio. I found my identity in a studio. I guess it only makes sense to work in one.” Lane’s mother enrolled her as a girl in the local ballet to improve her posture and her confidence. Dance sparked into “a passion I couldn’t live without.” That led Lane to pursue a degree in dance from the University of Texas, then a career abroad as a contemporary dancer. She most remembers the “beautiful collaboration” of dancers from distant cultures with differing approaches to their art. “There were moments we could share that, even if we didn’t speak the same language,” Lane said. “Dance was our language. Connecting in that way with people stands out.” She walked away from dance, however, when she realized that while she thrilled at performing, she lacked a “certain mentality” necessary for auditioning for roles – a “push to make myself seen.” After trying on a number of jobs and careers – none of which proved a good fit – Lane returned to San Angelo to care for her ailing father. That’s when she again stepped into a BSA studio for the first
2 0 1 8
UNDER
That truly does come from the heart. There’s no quantitative way to measure what I do, because it comes from that. - Erin Lane time in years, instantly impressed by its top-shelf home in the Performing Arts Center. “It just kind of all unfolded, and one thing led to the next,” Lane said of her moves from student to performer to teacher. “That’s the beauty of art. It organically flows.” Since joining BSA, she has launched a fitness program and a Dance for Parkinson’s class to help those suffering from any physical barrier to regain some mobility. “I’m able to see people surprise themselves every time I teach my Dance for Parkinson’s class,” she said. “I’m equally empowered. That’s been a good journey.” That’s but one example of Lane engaging in “heartwork,” reminding those she teaches the “importance of where your work comes from,” Susan Kinney noted. “I want so badly for people to feel the joy I have felt my entire life dancing,” Lane explained. “That truly does come from the heart. There’s no quantitative way to measure what I do, because it comes from that.” That philosophy dovetails neatly into how Lane seeks to lead. “I define leadership as empowerment,” she said, “providing a space for others to share their talents, or collaborate, or have a creative conversation.”
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
2 1
2 2
G R A C E
M E D I A
20UNDE
R40
2 0 1 8
UNDER
English Professor By Anthony Wilson If Erin Whitford were grading her 20 Under 40 nomination, her mom would likely earn top marks not just for grammar and focus, but accuracy. In recommending her daughter for the honor, Suzan Marks wrote, “To Erin, if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing it with excellence. Erin is dedicated to the service of others. Whether it’s in her career, at church, in volunteering or with her family, she finds a true fulfillment in serving others well.” Whitford got slightly choked up hearing those words. “Moms are supposed to say that, right?” she said, before adding, “I couldn’t have said it better myself. All those things are important to me.” Whitford has parlayed academic success as a student at Angelo State University into a career in - Erin Whitford the classrooms of Howard College. She is an assistant professor of English at the San Angelo campus, where she seeks to teach her students the power of effective written communication. Additionally, she serves as division co-chair of the General Studies program, overseeing some of the offerings in Howard’s core academic courses. Whitford calls herself a “traditional nerd,” saying she has long loved learning and the challenge of earning A’s … so much so that it prompted her to pursue teaching in a college setting at age 22, shortly after earning her master’s degree. That experience standing at the front of a classroom – a night course in English – eight years ago represented a steep learning curve, both for the pupils and the professor. Because they were contemporaries, Whitford worried how her students would respond to her. Youthful in manner and in appearance, down to her dark bangs and pierced nose, she has since come to see her youth as a blessing.
“It lets me connect with them,” she explained. “I think they feel there’s not as much of a chasm between us. There’s still a level of respect, but I think they find me more approachable.” Whitford further serves Howard College in its Faculty Senate and as a mentor to first-generation college students. She helps the latter navigate what they often view as a bewildering and intimidating setting, encouraging them with assurances they belong. “That’s one of my favorite parts of my job – that individual connection and making sure people are living up to their potential,” she said. “So many of them don’t know what that is. “Reaching out to people who feel they don’t have a place to belong is near and dear to my heart – making sure people feel included, that they have somewhere to go and people to belong to.” That’s easy, she said, at a place like Howard College. Her colleagues sincerely and actively care for one another and for their students, she said. “I joke that if they’ll keep me, I’m not going to leave,” Whitford said. “There are so many things I love about teaching. … But the light bulb moment is really the special part of teaching – when you encourage those students and then they get it.”
That’s one of my favorite parts of my job – that individual connection and making sure people are living up to their potential.
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
2 3
UNDER
V ISIONARIE S
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
TO M O R ROW.
ASU/College of Education By Anthony Wilson Brook Dickison believes the most powerful tool that leaders wield is their example. Check out her example: Faculty member at Angelo State University. Doctoral student at Texas Tech. Sterling City Council member. Board member for numerous nonprofits, including the United Way and the Leadership San Angelo Alumni Association. And mother to two active youngsters. “It definitely takes a delicate balance,” Dickison said of her commitments. “I look to see, where can I help the most? Where is my service going to be a better fit – for me and for the organization? If it’s something I feel I can contribute to, then I definitely take it on.” Dickison learned responsibility and the value of hard work early, raising show lambs and excelling in 4-H and FFA. Today, her children are doing the same, spending abundant amounts of time in a barn with their parents and their show animals. “It instills a lot of neat qualities I don’t think you can get anywhere else,” Dickison said. “It’s a family event. We are all in it together. My kids absolutely love it.” Dickison intended to work in agriculture after earning her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M in agriculture leadership and development. “God had a different plan,” she said. She earned her master’s degree in education from ASU after her husband joined the faculty there. Today she teaches teachers as an online graduate instructor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
You’re going to make mistakes, you’re going to learn from them, and that organization is going to benefit. You’re going to benefit. - Brook Redmon Dickison 2 4
G R A C E
M E D I A
When she began considering pursuit of her doctorate degree in higher education, her children worried whether she could do it. “I wanted to show I could, that I was able,” she said. “They think it’s cool their mom is doing homework at the same time they are. And they see that education is continuous. That’s something my husband and I really want to instill in them.” She was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Sterling City Council shortly after the Dickisons moved to town. Calling herself a “policy nerd,” Dickison said she has enjoyed tackling issues ranging from street improvements to codes aiming to improve properties. “You just have to learn to have a thick skin and be able to listen more than talk, and to be able to act upon things you tell them you will act upon,” she said of political service. In all of her experiences, Dickison said she doesn’t shy away from the risk of failure. At the same time, she feels an obligation to help others learn from those mistakes so they don’t repeat them. It’s a life lesson from her favorite college professor that has stuck with her. “Spend as much time as you can getting to know the organizations you want to be a part of,” she advised, “and then throw your entire self into it. You’re going to make mistakes, you’re going to learn from them, and that organization is going to benefit. You’re going to benefit. Whether the impact is little or big, you don’t know until you do it.”
20UNDE
R40
2 0 1 8
UNDER
CONGRATULATIONS
20 UNDER 40
First Financial Bank congratulates the accomplishments of San Angelo’s 2018 20 Under 40 honorees. These honorees exemplify hard work, dedication, and a commitment to our community. Congratulations from your friends at First Financial Bank!
YOU FIRST | 325-659-5900
Member FDIC
FFIN.com
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
2 5
UNDER
V ISIONARIE S
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
TO M O R ROW.
Fostering RAM Success Program By Anthony Wilson Gigi Scott, confident and accomplished, laughs about the day she went to enroll at Howard College. Having been a stay-at-home mom for 15 years, and not having been a great student prior to that, Scott was overwhelmed and petrified as an admissions clerk asked how she could help her. Scott’s husband finally stepped in: “My wife wants to sign up for college.” Today, Scott is a mere nine A’s from graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and a communication degree from Angelo State University. Additionally, she is a mother to three daughters, an active community volunteer, and student manager of Fostering Ram Success, a program that provides support to students who were foster children. “You make time for the things that are important to you, and you make excuses for the things that are not,” Scott said. “If you see me doing something, it’s because I made time to do it.” A former foster mother, Scott likens her role with Fostering Ram Success to a life adviser for foster students: “We come alongside and help guide them.” As a first-generation and non-traditional student, Scott can relate to how bewildering a college campus is to her young charges. “I feel like their success is my success,” she said. “If they’re struggling, I’m not doing the best I can in my job. When I see them succeed, I celebrate with them. I want to be there at their graduation cheering them on.” Scott and her husband spent three years as foster parents, receiving their first children five days after she turned 21. The experience
You make time for the things that are important to you, and you make excuses for the things that are not.
“opened my eyes to what happens in the world,” she said. “You never know where these students come from, what their past has been. I wanted to be a bright beacon in their life.” The best thing to come from foster parenting was the adoption of their daughter Liana, who’s now a teen. “People say, ‘She’s so blessed to have you guys,’” Scott said. “I don’t see it that way. I see it as I’m so blessed to have her.” Liana nominated her mother for the 20 Under 40 honor, expressing gratitude that her mom exposes her to volunteer service. Their favorite charitable act involves serving lunch together on Valentine’s Day at the Daily Bread Soup Lunch program. “I want her to see, ‘It’s not about you,’” Scott said. “There’s so much of a bigger picture out there. I want her to see she can serve others.” That’s why Liana calls her mother a “natural-born leader.” Scott is less sure about her leadership being natural. She credits mentors the past five years for giving her greater confidence in her leadership, which she describes as a “we attitude” versus a “me attitude.” “It’s important to surround yourself with mentors who see something in you that you can’t,” Scott said. “But while they’re in your corner, they’re not the ones taking the hits. You’ve got to have the will and the want-to to get it done.”
- Giovanna “Gigi” Scott
20UNDE 2 6
G R A C E
M E D I A
R40
20UNDE
R40
Assistant Director/Entrepreneur By Anthony Wilson Holly Rose’s mentor, inspiration, first boss and aunt were bundled in one passionate package. Darlene Jones, the late co-owner of Bug Express, hired her niece to work as a sales rep for the pro indoor football team she also owned, the San Angelo Stampede Express. The proximity to her aunt in action was “exhilarating” and “exciting,” Rose said. “My Aunt Darlene was an amazing woman,” she said. “She cared about her community. I had always wondered how people get that passion for their community – what drives them. She didn’t hold anything back. I was in awe of her. She drove me to want to do more in my community.” Jones would be proud of the mark she made on Rose. Today, Rose is assistant director of Downtown San Angelo, Inc., a “solopreneur” with her own online business, a Leadership San Angelo graduate, and a community volunteer. Each of her endeavors, she said, is also fueled by passion. “Leadership is showing your passion and inspiring others,” she said. Although Rose grew up in San Angelo, her participation in the 2016-17 class of Leadership San Angelo opened her eyes to the inner workings of her community and to its struggles. The experience enlightened her on “how to be a better citizen.” As a result, she has helped lead the charge for a new-andimproved Safety City. Safety City is a miniaturized replica of a town where schoolchildren learn bicycle, pedestrian and fire safety. The facility’s community board is looking not only to expand and improve the physical plant, but grow its programming to include other safety concerns, such as fraud targeting the elderly. “I think it’s going to really happen,” she said of the expansion. Recently, Rose joined Downtown San Angelo, Inc. To play a role in downtown’s skyrocketing revitalization is exciting, she said. “So many say there’s nothing to do in San Angelo,” Rose said. “But if you go downtown – even on a weekday during lunchtime – there are people everywhere.” About a year ago, Rose launched her own marketing venture, Cactus Rose - Social Media Gardening. The idea for the business sprang from her advising customers about social media advertising while working for a television station. “Just like my aunt built a business from the ground up, I finally had an opportunity where I could do the same,” she said. “I just went all in. The most rewarding thing is when you truly are helping a customer.” Rose said she becomes so focused on helping customers market their businesses, she sometimes fails to do the same for
2 0 1 8
UNDER
I just went all in. The most rewarding thing is when you truly are helping a customer. - Holly Rose
her own endeavor. That realization has helped her recalibrate to ensure greater balance in her life. She seeks to do so by taking care of herself in healthy ways. “When you enjoy life, you tend to enjoy your work more,” she noted. “There was a point where I thought, I’m going to have to stop my business. But I realized it’s OK to take a breath, to enjoy life and not work all the time.” 2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
2 7
2 8
G R A C E
M E D I A
20UNDE
R40
2 0 1 8
UNDER
Veterans Outreach Coordinator By Anthony Wilson Jennifer Jensen says the military “saved my life.” It also gave her purpose beyond her time in uniform. During her four years in the Air Force, Jensen served overseas as a combat photographer during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her assignment was fulfilling, but also scary, so much so that she sought counseling afterward to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. As a result, she speaks with credibility when she talks with military members, veterans and their spouses about the benefits of therapy provided through the veterans program at West Texas Counseling & Guidance, where she serves as the veterans outreach coordinator. “I know the struggle of admitting you need some help to get through it,” Jensen said. “They need to know: You’re not alone.” Jensen grew up in a military family; her father was a 20-year veteran of the Navy. A self-confessed wild child in her youth, Jensen credits her military training with providing her the boundaries and discipline necessary to succeed.
Helping my brothers and sisters from the military get through their tough times has been a blessing. That’s my life goal now. - Jennifer Jensen
During her wartime deployment, Jensen captured photos that documented the need for private contractors that provided security around American bases. The assignment involved accompanying security personnel in Blackhawk helicopters and armored vehicles. Although the work was dangerous, she found comfort in helping to ensure the safety of her peers. “But it’s still scary,” she said. “You go through emotions you’ve never gone through before.” She credits counseling for helping her manage her ever-present PTSD. And she has found a silver-lining in the experience: It has helped her relate to her military clientele. “When I went to counseling, my therapist had no idea what it was like to go to Iraq or be in the military,” she said. “So I kind of distanced myself from her. But the military members who come see me at West Texas Counseling & Guidance know there’s somebody there they can talk to who has been there, done that.” The same holds true for military spouses. Jensen’s husband is a firefighter instructor stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base. “You don’t see this while you’re military, but (the service member’s) job is more important than yours,” she said. “And it’s hard to admit that. You want to have your own career, your own self. But in reality, country comes first for them.” Jensen’s service to military families has branched out to include involvement with the Goodfellow Spouses Club, the Concho Valley Women Veterans’ Association, and the Daily Bread Soup Lunch program, whose patronage includes homeless veterans. In her volunteer efforts, she seeks “people who are in need of support,” adding that such endeavors make her feel “warm and fuzzy inside, and makes my life feel worthwhile.” Having found her calling, she is now pursuing a master’s degree in social work. “I started this job and didn’t expect to fall in love with it as much as I did,” Jensen said. “Helping my brothers and sisters from the military get through their tough times has been a blessing. That’s my life goal now.”
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
2 9
3 0
G R A C E
M E D I A
20UNDE
R40
2 0 1 8
UNDER
Economic Development Specialist By Anthony Wilson One of Shannon Scott’s great disappointments turned out to be a blessing. Having graduated with honors from Texas Tech with dual business degrees, Scott applied to the university’s Master’s of Business Administration program. Surprisingly, she didn’t get in. Last year, after receiving a brochure from Tech’s MBA for Working Professionals program, she reapplied. Scott gained acceptance … and has been thriving in her coursework ever since. In retrospect, she said, she previously lacked the maturity and work experience to “give this MBA the justice it deserves.” “I can definitely say looking back, I don’t think I could have handled the workload,” Scott said. “The experiences I’ve learned in my career have really prepared me for this degree. The timing was just perfect to go back.” Scott has worked as a logistics broker (linking freight carriers with shippers that have goods needing transport), as a Venturing
executive for the Boy Scouts, in sales and advertising, and now as an economic development specialist for the City of San Angelo’s Economic Development Department. “One of the reasons I went into the business field is because there’s so much versatility,” the Mertzon native said. “So I always knew at the end of the day, I would always have a job doing something. “What I do for the City encompasses a lot of those previous job skills,” she added. “It’s important as you pursue career interests to have a lot of difference experiences. The world is a lot different today than when our parents were younger. They picked a position and worked there for 40 years. Now, versatility is important. Employers want to see those different dimensions.” In her current role, Scott assists with the Business Retention and Expansion Program, which incentives local ventures seeking to grow through hiring more employees and/or making capital investments. She also manages the City’s Tax Increment Reinvest Zone program, which offers incentives to businesses within the zone that wish to improve their properties. One of the most gratifying aspects of her work with the TIRZ is her role in downtown’s revitalization. She noted one short stretch of North Chadbourne Street that has been transformed from a row of boarded up buildings to include a winery, a gym, a bakery and a law office. “When I was younger,” Scott said, “people liked to go to the mall. Now, people are really focusing on their downtowns. The revitalization efforts bring people downtown. They want to shop, eat and try different things. It’s more about an experience.” In nominating Scott for the 20 Under 40 honor, Denise Bloomquist called her the “full package of leadership,” displaying intelligence, creativity, passion, reliability and integrity. Scott has thought a lot about leadership recently. Her first MBA class, a course in leadership and ethics, sparked her to engage in some “soul-searching” to pinpoint her core values. She realized that leaders who also serve as mentors have “reached their peak.” “You embody all those qualities,” Scott said, “but you use them - Shannon Scott for the betterment of others.”
Now, versatility is important. Employers want to see those different dimensions.
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
3 1
People matter. Here, people are at the heart of every decision made and everything we do – no store cares more. EVERY PERSON COUNTS. HEB is proud to sponsor the 2018 20 Under 40 Program and are honored to be a part of recognizing exceptional young professionals in San Angelo.
HEB Congratulates you on your selection as a member of the 20 Under 40 Class of 2018
3 2
G R A C E
M E D I A
20UNDE
R40
2 0 1 8
UNDER
Executive EVER Skincare By Anthony Wilson Morgan Christo seems to be the only one surprised by her selection as a 20 Under 40 honoree. Her husband, former honoree Lenny Christo, grew so emotional at the news tears may have been shed. (“My husband is a very passionate man,” his wife said.) Her father, Angelo State University President Brian May, noted he always knew his daughter was extraordinary. “I was taught that giving back is not something you do out of obligation,” Christo said. “It’s something that is a privilege. I feel honored to serve.” Christo returned to her hometown from a public accounting job in downtown Houston after a beloved uncle suffered an accident that left him paralyzed. She planned to stay only a short while, but “life has a way of changing things for you.” She met her husband, they married and started a family. The birth of her first child “changed this momma’s heart,” and she stepped away from her CPA career, which was on a path toward partnership at her firm. “I’m so glad I took a chance and decided to bet on myself,” she said. That led to an association with Ever Skincare, which offers clinical-grade products made with healthy ingredients. For two years running, Christo has been the company’s leading sales representative nationwide. She was introduced to Ever Skincare’s products by her sister. “I said, ‘OK, but I’m never going to sell it, so don’t even try,’” Christo recalled. “And two days later I ate a lot of crow because I saw how great my skin looked.” She has also found her niche as a community volunteer. Christo joined the Junior League of San Angelo to serve the community and to meet new friends. Today, she serves as its internal vice president and touts two Junior League programs in particular that have enriched her. The Food for Kids program discreetly sends backpacks filled with food home with children enrolled in the free-lunch program. The effort ensures the youngsters will have something to eat over the weekend. Hope Totes has supplied Child Protective Services’ local Rainbow Room with tote bags filled with
Leadership involves a two-pronged approach: servanthood and passion. When these two things align, leaders naturally emerge. - Morgan Christo simple items – a pillow, a towel, hygiene products. The totes are given to abused and neglected children who are pulled from their homes with no notice. The bags and their contents provide a measure of comfort and security. Christo can still picture CPS caseworkers’ reactions when the Junior League delivered the Hope Totes. “It was one of those moments in my life where I felt, ‘We just made a difference,’” she said. “Leadership,” she added, “involves a two-pronged approach: servanthood and passion. When these two things align, leaders naturally emerge.” Christo is recognizable around town as one of the city’s most popular performers of the national anthem. She has sung it at the San Angelo Rodeo, at Civic Events shows and at the San Angelo Symphony. Singing, along with CrossFit and calligraphy, help balance life’s other pressures, she said. “Never give up on your passions,” she advised.
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
3 3
UNDER
V ISIONARIE S
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
TO M O R ROW.
Criminal Prosecutor By Anthony Wilson Never get in an argument with Tiffany Sheppard. That was true when she was a fifth-grader, and it remains so today. Impressed with her prowess for persuasion even as a child, Sheppard’s parents encouraged to pursue a career as an attorney. Her law degree from Texas Tech University led to a stint practicing family law
want to, and I’ll support you.’ That’s unheard of in a lot of workplaces.” Even so, the distressing nature of felony crimes has impacted her, making her more guarded in some regards, especially in the parenting of her children. She’s still learning to divorce her professional and personal lives. “Most of the people in my office work hard to separate the two and compartmentalize, but inevitably it’s going to affect you in some way,” she said. “For me, it’s still an ongoing process of learning to cope with it because I’m just recently into the felony world and I see a lot more disturbing things.” Sheppard has also sought to serve her community through the Tom Green County Young Lawyers Association. As its president, she spearheaded a holiday event - Tiffany Sheppard at a shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. The followed by prosecuting misdelawyers provided a holiday meal, gifts, family photos meanors in the County Attorney’s and free legal advice. Office and now trying felony cases “I have had to decide what’s most important in the District Attorney’s Office. to me,” Sheppard said. “For me, it’s going to be any “I like the idea I get to repreprotected class. Anything I think is going to make sent the state of Texas and seek San Angelo a better place for our children is what I’m justice,” Sheppard said. “For me, going to say yes to.” that’s a noble endeavor. It’s wearing In keeping with that mission, she also serves on that white hat.” the boards of Meals for the Elderly and the Junior She complimented the two DA’s League of San Angelo. She had to overcome her own for whom she works, Allison Palmer and misperceptions about the latter. She has learned John Best, as “fantastic that the Junior League, which she once viewed as a bosses and exceptional sorority, works tirelessly to support underprivileged leaders.” children. “They encourage us Fellow attorney Sara Giddings, a former 20 to have our own style,” Under 40 honoree, described Sheppard as “willing to Sheppard said. “So it put others before herself when she knows that she makes it very easy for can make an impact in the community.” Sheppard us to just be who we responded that she doesn’t label herself a leader. are and to prosecute “I would much rather see us all succeed,” she how we want to said. “We don’t know where people are in their lives prosecute. They and what they’re going through. Meeting them give us that where they are and helping them back up freedom – ‘This to get to a goal is true is your case. You leadership.” R40 handle it how you 20UNDE
Anything I think is going to make San Angelo a better place for our children is what I’m going to say yes to.
3 4
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
20UNDE
R40
2 0 1 8
UNDER
Financial Advisor By Anthony Wilson Some days, Wayne Knight misses cotton farming. At the end of those workdays, he could climb off a tractor, look back over his fields, and see the tangible evidence of his labor. Today, as a financial adviser for Edward Jones, he and his clients may not fully realize the payoff from his work for years. Then he remembers: air-conditioning. “That’s always nice,” he dryly quipped. Knight was a fourth-generation farmer when his father, concerned about how the business was changing, encouraged him to seek other employment. The decision, Knight said, was tough, but sound. He still carries an important life lesson from farming – “you can only control what you can control,” namely one’s work ethic and daily activities. “The rest is left up to chance, in a way,” Knight said. “In my current profession, there’s nothing I can do to affect what the market does. That’s the biggest parallel … and dealing with constant uncertainty. You learn to focus on the things that are most important and how you can manage that.” Shortly after arriving in San Angelo, Knight joined the Army National Guard, realizing a lifelong dream of military service. Likening that goal to a persistent tug, he enlisted when he and his wife learned they were pregnant with their first child. “It was now or never,” Knight recalled.
His first day of basic training was his 29th birthday. He served six years in the infantry. “It teaches you to be mentally tough,” he said of the military, “which I think has served me well in my current job. It teaches you to be a leader, regardless of where you are and what role you have.”
If you can’t get buy-in and belief from people, then you’re just kind of managing; you’re not really leading. - Wayne Knight
Once he returned from boot camp, Knight pursued his MBA from the University of Phoenix. A friend suggested he consider joining Edward Jones. He was intrigued – and remains so – with the personal story of the firm’s founder, Ted Jones. Unlike his competitors, Jones positioned his company to serve rural areas. (His first Texas office was in Big Spring.) At the end of his career, rather than transfer the company to his heirs or sell it, he left it to Edward Jones’ employees, crediting them with building the firm into what it is. Jones was reportedly told had he sold the business on the open market, he could have been wealthier than Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart. In response, Jones wrote a letter explaining his decision; a copy of it hangs in Knight’s office. The last line reads, “money has never been my God.” “That level of selflessness and sacrifice – and the culture it created – has been tremendously impactful for me,” Knight said. Quoting the title of a favorite book, “Leaders Eat Last,” Knight noted leadership is “more about serving other people’s interests than your own.” “It’s influencing people in a way to accomplish an objective,” he added. “I prefer to influence them positively. If you can’t get buy-in and belief from people, then you’re just kind of managing; you’re not really leading.”
2 0 U N D E R 4 0 S A N A N G E L O . C O M
3 5
UNDER
V ISIONARIE S
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
20UNDE
TO M O R ROW.
MONAT/Hope and a Haircut By Anthony Wilson Stacy McCormick has a gem of a story in Ruby. A hairstylist and faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church, where her father is the pastor, McCormick is the driving force behind Hope and a Haircut. The effort provides free haircuts, a meal and kindly countenances for the church’s low-income neighbors. “I thought, ‘You know, I can use my gifts and my talents, not just behind the chair for my income, but to benefit the community and to lead others to Jesus,’” McCormick said. “So, I thought, ‘Why not?’” During each Hope and a Haircut event, a team of volunteers transforms Calvary’s basketball gym into a salon with 20 hair-cutting stations. During a back-to-school event earlier this year, 100 people had signed up for haircuts by the time the doors opened. Within an hour, that number swelled to 200. Some of the hairdressers stayed until 10 at night to accommodate everyone. “I was never worried if one person would show up,” McCormick said. “I just knew I needed to do it.” Of all those served, Ruby stands out. She came to a winter event not because she needed a haircut, but because her heater was out … and she was cold … and she thought it might be the only meal she could get that day.
3 6
G R A C E
M E D I A
I thought, ‘You know, I can use my gifts and my talents, not just behind the chair for my income, but to benefit the community and to lead others to Jesus. - Stacy McCormick Ruby stayed all six hours in the heated gymnasium. The church found someone to fix her faulty heater and gave her some food to-go. “I’m gonna cry,” McCormick warned as she told the story … and then she did. “We’re providing haircuts. But we’re doing so much more for these people. That right there is what it’s all about.” Among the Hope and a Haircut volunteers are residents of the Concho Valley Home for Girls. The girls sweep up hair and fold towels for McCormick, who at other times styles their hair at no charge. “They’re sweet girls,” she said. “They just need someone to love on them and not judge them. The road they’ve walked has not been easy. For them to be pampered for an hour in the chair, it just helps them out.” McCormick’s seems to come by her servant’s heart naturally. Her minister father is the “shepherd over his sheep.” Her mother “rolls out the red carpet for you, whoever you are.” She herself is a person fed by her faith. “I’m just a person doing what I feel called to do,” she said. “I think you must be a servant. Never leave anybody out. Always check on each other. “And don’t carry a title. If people are doing what you’re doing, you’re probably a leader.” Kassie Soldano, whose husband is a former 20 Under 40 honoree, called McCormick “a mentor, a leader and a great teacher to others.” McCormick insisted she’s no different than anyone else. That is, anyone – and everyone – can make a difference, she said. “Don’t be afraid,” she encouraged. “Just get out there and do it. Follow your dreams and live big.”
R40
Congratulations to the Top 20 Under 40 Class of 2018 Always remember, Leadership is the ability to empower and inspire others. Leadership is less about a title and more about integrity. Good leaders are in the business of promoting others, not themselves. Leadership produces after it’s own kind. Effective leaders do not manage employees, they empower the right employees towards the right results. Leadership is responsible for creating a healthy culture. Culture exists either by default or by design. What we value determines what we do and what we believe determines how we behave. Leadership is about being yourself, not about knowing it all. People would rather follow a leader who is always real than one who is always right.
WWW.HOWARDCOLLEGE.EDU
UNDER
V ISIONARIE S
OF TODAY,
L E A D I N G
FO R
TO M O R ROW.
Entrepreneur By Anthony Wilson Living in San Angelo required some getting used to for Kim Willis. Like how helpful folks are in the grocery store. The first weekend after Willis moved here three years ago, the longtime Austinite stopped someone in the supermarket and asked for help. A friendly local squired Willis around the store until she had found everything on her list. “I thought, “Wow! These people are really nice,’” Willis recalled. “The people here are so supportive and will do anything for you.” Willis has found San Angelo welcoming in other ways, as well. It encouraged the hairstylist to continue cutting and coloring here after she’d decided rebuilding a clientele in a new community wasn’t worth the effort. It has supported her thriving business selling hair care products. And it has given her avenues to pursue good works in the service of others. Former 20 Under 40 honoree Stacey Leigh Patterson raved that while Willis is a talented stylist, her specialty is “making her clients feel confident.” Willis first contemplated beauty school – with much trepidation – after growing disenchanted sitting in huge lecture halls filled with hundreds of other students at the University of Texas. “How am I going to go home and tell my parents I want to quit UT and go to beauty school?” she thought. “But I did. And I absolutely loved it. Eighteen years later, here I am.” Being a successful stylist is as much about building trusting relationships as it is snipping and styling hair, she said. “I love my clients. They’re like family to me,” Willis said. “It’s more than just what I’m doing behind the chair. It’s talking and listening to their needs – whether it’s hair or personal.” She is also one of about 150 directors for MONAT, a direct-seller of premium hair care products. That path began with her buying a box of MONAT products and later having a leadership position “fall into my lap.” She has built a network 3 8
G R A C E
M E D I A
with about 750 sellers across the nation and the world. “I’m told daily I’ve inspired somebody,” she said. “I’m like, ‘I’m just me.’ I had to read books and listen to podcasts to help teach me how to be a leader. I didn’t know how to stand in front of a crowd and talk.” Willis may be selling herself short. She recently chaired the Junior League of San Angelo’s annual western dance, raising more money than the event ever had to fund the organization’s civic endeavors. And she spearheaded an effort to donate hair care, hygiene and feminine products to Sara’s House, an intensive residential substance abuse treatment program. “Leadership is not about me,” Willis said. “It’s about others – inspiring, teaching and helping others. I’ve never once thought this was all me. “It makes you happy and is so rewarding to know you’ve done something for somebody else – whatever it is,” she added. “There’s always something in your community you can do to give back. Knowing you’ve helped just one person is such a feel-good.”
Leadership is not about me,” Willis said. “It’s about others – inspiring, teaching and helping others. - Kim Willis
20UNDE
R40
Congratulations 20 Under 40 Class of 2018
Holiday F loral Designs Now Available
135 W Twohig Ave. Ste E 325-656-3889
Thank You GRACE MEDIA THANKS OUR SPONSORS FOR THE COMMITMENT TO PARTNER IN RECOGNIZING SAN ANGELO’S IMPACTFUL LEADERS.
PRESENTED BY
SUPPORTED BY